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Zanthoxylum simulans

Zanthoxylum simulans

Chinese Prickly Ash, Chinese-pepper, flatspine prickly-ash

synonym Xanthoxylum simulans

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Description

Zanthoxylum simulans (Sichuan pepper, synonym Xanthoxylum simulans) comes from the eastern provinces of China and Taiwan. The species was discovered and described in around 1690 but not brought to Kew Gardens in England until 1869 by Sir Henry F. Hance - the then British consul in China. As a small tree to large shrub, the Sichuan pepper can reach an ultimate height of around three to six metres tall and equally as wide.  The species has a capricious crown form; as a juvenile it is umbrella-shaped and later more rounded. 

The young twigs of Zanthoxylum simulans are full of razor-sharp and curved thorns. On older branches and stems, the robust thorns change into polygonal or blunt bulges. The stems are grey-green, and on older trees a yellow underbark is visible through vertical fissures in the trunk. The Sichuan pepper produces yellow-green flower clusters in June. The pinnate leaves consist of seven to eleven ovoid glossy leaflets with a fresh green colour, changing over to a yellow-orange glow in autumn. It creates a stunning effect with the small red fruits which then appear on the tree. When bruised, the foliage gives off a fresh lemon aroma and the fruits also have a discernible, peppery smell, are sharp tasting and with a narcotic effect. 

Zanthoxylum simulans is easy to grow, not particular about the soil, is not prone to diseases and is very hardy. In the summer filtered light falls attractively through the composite leaf and bees find nectar in the flowers; in the autumn the fragrant foliage and berries are useful for culinary purposes. The species has a terrific winter silhouette thanks to the whimsical growth habit and thorns, and these thorns provide good shelter for birds and the berries are a true delicacy for them too. This large shrub or small tree makes an attractive addition to parks and gardens. But also in containers - protected from the strongest wind - even on roof gardens Zanthoxylum simulans is a good choice.

Types of planting

Tree types

standard trees multi-stemmed trees characteristic trees woodland planting stock solitary shrubs

Topiary on stem

fval multi-stem umbrella

Topiary

hedge hedge

Use

Location

park in containers roof garden large garden small garden

Pavement

none none

Planting concepts

food forest eco planting

Characteristics

Crown shape

vase-shaped vase-shaped

Crown structure

semi-open semi-open

Height

5 - 7 m

Width

4 - 6 m

Winter hardiness zone

6A - 8B

Aspects

Wind

intolerant to wind

Soil

loess sabulous clay light clay sand loamy soil

Nutrient level

low in nutrients moderately rich in nutrients rich in nutrients

Soil moisture level

dry moist

Light requirements

sun partial shade

pH range

acidic neutral alkaline

Host plant/forage plant

bees birds nectar value 5 pollen value 5

Extreme environments

tolerates heat

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Order this plant? Or would you like further information about Zanthoxylum simulans? Make an appointment for a detailed planting recommendation.
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Photos

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high-stem standard tree
Zanthoxylum simulans standard tree
high-stem standard tree
Zanthoxylum simulans standard tree
high-stem standard tree
Zanthoxylum simulans standard tree
high-stem standard tree
Zanthoxylum simulans standard tree
high-stem standard tree
Zanthoxylum simulans standard tree
high-stem standard tree
Zanthoxylum simulans standard tree
multi-stem multi-stem
Zanthoxylum simulans multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Zanthoxylum simulans multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Zanthoxylum simulans multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Zanthoxylum simulans multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Zanthoxylum simulans multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Zanthoxylum simulans multi-stem
leaves leaves
Zanthoxylum simulans leaves
leaves leaves
Zanthoxylum simulans leaves
leaves leaves
Zanthoxylum simulans leaves
leaves leaves
Zanthoxylum simulans leaves
fruits fruits
Zanthoxylum simulans fruits
fruits fruits
Zanthoxylum simulans fruits
fruits fruits
Zanthoxylum simulans fruits
fruits fruits
Zanthoxylum simulans fruits
fruits fruits
Zanthoxylum simulans fruits
fruits fruits
Zanthoxylum simulans fruits
autumn-leaves autumn leaves
Zanthoxylum simulans autumn leaves
autumn-leaves autumn leaves
Zanthoxylum simulans autumn leaves
bark bark
Zanthoxylum simulans bark
bark bark
Zanthoxylum simulans bark
bark bark
Zanthoxylum simulans bark
bark bark
Zanthoxylum simulans bark
bark bark
Zanthoxylum simulans bark
twigs twigs
Zanthoxylum simulans twigs

Flowers

Flowers

panicle infundibular discrete small

Flower colour

yellow-green

Flowering period

June

Leaves

Leaf colour

green

Leaves

deciduous polished a bit prickly scented with contusion pinnate

Autumn colour

yellow yellow-orange

Fruits

Fruit colour

red

Fruits

small aromatic

Bark

Bark colour

grey-brown

Bark

slightly furrowed

Twigs

Twig colour

grey-brown

Twigs

thorned with lenticels horizontal branches pendulous long shoots

Root system

Root system

shallow fine roots

For and by green professionals

The TreeEbb is a platform for and by green professionals, in which we collect knowledge and experience from the sector and make this available for users. All the details and photos are free to use for non-commercial purposes. Want to share your tree knowledge? Send photographs and additional information to treeebb@ebben.nl

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Winter hardiness

A plant's winter hardiness is the coldest area in which it is frost-resistant. This is based on the average annual minimum temperature. Winter hardiness zones are thirteen different frost zones in steps of 5.5 degrees Celsius. This format is an international standard for the hardiness of plants. The zones in which the plant is frost-resistant are always included in the description of trees and other vegetation.

Winter hardiness is a genetic characteristic and is not influenced by the location in which the plant is cultivated. This means that a plant that has been cultivated for many years in winter-hardiness zone 6 but has a winter hardiness of 3 is perfectly suited for replanting in a colder zone. It will thrive there thanks to its genetic characteristics.

When choosing planting for a project, the winter hardiness of the plants is extremely important. By choosing species that match the zone in which the project is being created, it is possible to ensure that plants can withstand the minimum temperature in that area.

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